Details on one of the most sought-after annual bourbons you have a chance at buying
A decade ago, Angel’s Envy brought out what has become one of the most sought-after annual whiskeys: Angel’s Envy Cask Strength.
Introduced in 2012 by the Louisville distillery, the limited edition release has been a hit with Kentucky bourbon fans since the beginning. Only 600 bottles were available the first year. And in only two states.
And even though this year there will be 14,760 bottles available in 50 states, fans know that doesn’t mean they will be easy to find. Last year was the first year the premium bourbon was available nationwide.
“Putting together our annual Cask Strength release has become something of a tradition for our family. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been doing it for ten years,” said Wes Henderson, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Angel’s Envy. “So to see fans all over the country chasing down these bottles and sharing them with their friends and family as a special way to toast over the holidays or as a gift – it’s very rewarding and a reflection of how much Angel’s Envy has grown over the past decade.”
Each year a select handful of barrels of Angel’s Envy get an extended finishing in port wine barrels from Portugal to become Cask Strength, a higher-proof version of the hugely popular finished bourbon, created by the late master distiller Lincoln Henderson and his son, Wes.
The results have won awards and high praise. Angel’s Envy Cask Strength was named the “Best Spirit in the World” by F. Paul Pacult’s “Spirit Journal” in 2013. The brand is now owned by Bacardi.
This year’s version, which comes in a commemorative wood box, will be released on Dec. 1. It will be 120.7 proof and if you want to try and buy it in stores, it has a suggested retail price of $229.99.
According to the tasting notes, Angel’s Envy 2021 Cask Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Port Wine Barrels has a complex nose: Notes of peach and cherry, hints of brandy, tea and honey, with a palate of leather, toasted oak and vanilla, stone fruit, port, creamy creme brulee, honey and marzipan.
This story was originally published October 8, 2021 at 6:00 AM.
